Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Standing Committee on Social Programs met on January 16, 2001, to review the 2001-2002 Main Estimates for the Department of Health and Social Services. The members noted a $3,414,000 increase under the compensation and benefits to cover the costs of the new collective agreement with the Union of Northern Workers, and a further $4,895,000 in forced growth for such things as medical travel, immunization programs, hiring of the first ten social workers to meet the recommendations of the Child Welfare League of Canada Report, foster care, southern placements, and enhancing independent living programs in the Deh Cho.

The committee also noted a $5,500,000 reduction under health insurance programs relating to the return of the responsibility for the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program to the federal government; a $54,000 reduction for physician programs and a $500,000 reduction related to the inability of the department to secure title to the former properties of the Northern Addiction Services.

Members had several concerns with the Department of Health and Social Services. These concerns were primarily in the ability of the department to provide quality information and the department's relationship with the boards.